Itochu Shokuhin and Otsuka Warehouse began full-scale operation of electronic delivery slips on November 11, utilizing the electronic slip and information-sharing system “DD Plus” provided by Japan Pallet Rental (JPR), at the Itochu Shokuhin Akishima Logistics Center (Akishima City, Tokyo).
Currently, around 40 manufacturers deliver goods to the center each day. The initiative started in collaboration with Otsuka Warehouse, with a goal of digitizing delivery slips for approximately 20 of those companies—about half of the daily total—by the end of fiscal 2026.
Itochu Shokuhin also plans to gradually expand the rollout of electronic systems to other logistics centers beyond Akishima.
Otsuka Warehouse, which is responsible for logistics within the Otsuka Group, conducted a pilot test in November 2024 in cooperation with Itochu Shokuhin and other partners at a logistics center operated by Itochu Shokuhin. The test aimed to verify the effects of full-scale electronic slip operation. After confirming significant improvements in efficiency and paperless processes for both shipping and receiving parties, the companies proceeded to begin full implementation of electronic delivery slips at the Akishima Logistics Center.
Although the Japanese government has promoted the digitalization of delivery slips and various demonstration projects have been conducted, full-scale operational adoption had not yet been achieved. Across the food industry, progress had stalled amid sentiments such as “once more partners adopt” or “once other companies start using it.”
At present, product inspection in logistics between manufacturers and wholesalers still relies on paper-based delivery slips, and issues such as the burden of collecting and storing receipts have been raised by both drivers and consignors. Against this background, this initiative to digitize delivery slips is attracting attention as a step toward streamlining logistics operations and reducing environmental impact through paperless practices.
The two companies commented as follows:
“The electronic delivery slip offers major benefits for consignors and helps reduce drivers’ workload. We hope this will lead to greater efficiency in inbound inspections through the use of ASN (Advance Shipping Notice),” said the Logistics Division of Itochu Shokuhin.
“Printing and sorting paper slips, as well as collecting and storing receipts, have posed significant burdens at worksites. By greatly reducing these tasks, we can also improve driver efficiency. Furthermore, by combining ASN with electronic delivery slips, we aim to streamline information coordination before and after delivery, enhance supply-chain visibility and optimization, reduce on-site workloads, and help establish a sustainable, waste-free delivery model,” said the Technology Division of Otsuka Warehouse.
